From Mortal To Immortal: Reign Of The Unyielding Chapter 3: Into the Unknown

The village was but a memory now.

Lin Tian stood at the edge of the dense forest, his eyes fixed on the horizon. The land stretched far and wide before him, the winding roads leading toward the unknown. The quiet village, where he had lived his entire life—though only for a short while—faded into the distance, leaving him with nothing but the cold wind on his face and the echo of his footsteps.

He had outgrown that place, outgrown the limitations of mortal life. It was time to move on.

The world outside the village was vast, and Lin Tian knew that the true test of his power was about to begin. This was no longer the realm of orphaned children who struggled to survive. This was the domain of cultivators, the mighty beings who bent the heavens to their will. They were the ones who ruled this world—and he would rise above them all.

As his gaze swept over the distant peaks of the mountain range, Lin Tian’s expression remained calm. He could feel the power coursing through his veins, pulsing with each beat of his heart. The system's presence was ever constant, guiding him, driving him forward. But even though he had already begun to tap into this vast strength, he knew that his true potential had not yet been unlocked.

The cultivation world was a place of ruthless competition. In order to rise, Lin Tian would need more than raw power—he would need the right resources, allies, and connections. It was a world built on strength, but that strength had to be honed, cultivated. The sects, the clans, the great powers that ruled the land—they would not take kindly to a newcomer with no reputation. He would need to prove himself.

The sound of footsteps approaching from behind brought Lin Tian out of his thoughts. He turned slowly, his expression neutral, though the sharpness in his gaze never faltered.

A young man, no older than sixteen, stood a few paces away, his clothes simple but well-kept. He had the bearing of a commoner, but his eyes glimmered with curiosity as they met Lin Tian’s gaze. The boy hesitated, clearly uncertain whether to approach.

"Who are you?" Lin Tian’s voice was calm, but there was an edge to it, a commanding tone that couldn’t be ignored.

The boy flinched but didn’t retreat. He cleared his throat, gathering his courage. "I... I’m sorry to disturb you, sir," he stammered, "but I saw you leave the village. You—" His eyes widened slightly as he looked Lin Tian up and down, clearly taken aback by the sheer presence the young man radiated. "You’re not from here, are you?"

Lin Tian studied him for a moment, his gaze calculating. "What does it matter?" he asked coldly. The boy’s trembling face softened as he quickly replied.

"No offense, sir," he said hurriedly, "I just wanted to ask where you’re headed. You seem... different. You don’t look like the other travelers who pass through here. Are you seeking something? A place to belong?"

Lin Tian’s lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. The boy’s words weren’t particularly interesting, but the question was. "I am seeking something," Lin Tian answered softly, his voice carrying a weight that made the boy shudder. "Power. Strength. Immortality."

The boy’s eyes widened. "I... I see," he whispered. "Well, if you’re looking for that, there’s a place where people like you go. The Taiyan Sect, up in the mountains." He gestured toward the distant peaks, his hand trembling slightly. "They take in anyone with the potential to cultivate. They’ll train you, provide you with resources—if you’re strong enough."

Lin Tian’s eyes flickered toward the mountains as he absorbed the boy’s words. The Taiyan Sect. He had heard of them. A powerful sect that dominated the region, known for their strict standards and their brutal selection process. Many sought to join their ranks, but only those with the right talent were chosen.

"Interesting," Lin Tian murmured. "How far is it?"

"Two days’ travel," the boy said, his voice full of urgency. "But the road is dangerous. Bandits, beasts—it's not safe for anyone without strength. You’ll need to be careful."

Lin Tian nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Thank you for the information," he said, his tone soft but final. The boy seemed to hesitate, as if he wanted to ask more, but Lin Tian had already turned his back to him, heading toward the distant mountain range.

As Lin Tian made his way toward the Taiyan Sect, he didn’t look back. He had no need to. The boy would remember him, but he wouldn’t be the one to matter in this journey. It was Lin Tian’s strength that would soon carve a path for him, and he didn’t need anyone to hold his hand along the way.

The road to the Taiyan Sect was not an easy one. As Lin Tian ventured deeper into the wilderness, the landscape grew more rugged. The road, once a wide and well-traveled path, grew narrow and treacherous, winding its way through dense forests and rocky cliffs.

Dangerous beasts prowled the edges of the road, their eyes glowing in the dark. Bandits, too, lurked in the shadows, preying on unsuspecting travelers. But Lin Tian wasn’t concerned. Every step he took was filled with purpose, every movement a testament to the power now thrumming beneath his skin.

The system's voice echoed in his mind, though he paid little attention to it.

[System: Power levels at 25%. Target: 100%. Activation sequence progressing.]

The power was growing within him, and as it did, he felt something else—something darker—beginning to awaken. The journey was only beginning, and the world would soon feel the tremors of his ascent.


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That evening, Lin Tian set up camp beneath the canopy of towering trees, the moonlight filtering through the leaves. His mind wandered to the sects and what lay ahead. The Taiyan Sect might have power, but so would he. In time, they would understand the cost of underestimating him.

He closed his eyes and allowed himself a brief moment of rest. There was much to learn in this world, much to do. The path to immortality would not be easy, but Lin Tian was ready.

Tomorrow, the Taiyan Sect would see what true power looked like.


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End of Chapter 3

Chapter end